Thanks a lot you guys for your reviews! I have many more ideas where that came from.
Roxton sat diligently at her bedside, mopping her brow. Once during the dead of night, Marguerite had opened her eyes and stared straight at him. Her mouth moved but no sound was emitted.
"Marguerite, I know you can hear me." He tenderly gathered her petite hand in his well worn one. "Fight this, my love. Of all the things you have encountered on this plateau, of all the beasts and people who have threatened out lives, you surely you wont let a little scratch take you from me." He gently laid his head on the pillow beside hers. "We will get you better. A life without you wouldn't be worth living." He soon drifted off, unaware of the professor standing right outside the door. Challenger turned away, unable to bear the sight any longer. Damn, he needed thoughts medical herbs and fast.
Roxton was awakened by the squeaking of the elevator. He made laid Marguerite's hand down and kissed her forehead. When he came into the living area, he had never been more excited to see the two faces who stared back at him.
"Roxton, Challenger just told us." stated the jungle girl. "We would have been home sooner but Malone twisted his ankle on the way back"
"Well, the most important thing is that you are here. Where are the herbs?" He asked frantically.
"Challenger is already working on a remedy that is sure to work." Malone said as he hopped to a nearby chair.
"Veronica, come help me turn Marguerite so Challenger can assess the wound better." The two quickly made there way to where their ill friend lay. As they turned her, Veronica gasped when she saw Marguerite's shoulder and back
"How could a scratch escalate to something so serious so soon?"
"My guess is because she didn't let any one take a look at it, and infection set in. She has been like this since you and Malone left. I just hope Challenger can get it out in time." Veronica looked at her friend. When she had first meet the ill woman, Veronica was sure Marguerite didn't care for anyone but herself. But over the past two years she had grown to know the inner Marguerite and now saw her as a sister.
"If anyone can cure her, Challenger can." She reassuringly squeezed Roxton's arm. They jumped as Challenger stormed into the room. HE had a vial with a gray green substance and a piece of cloth.
"We have to rub this vigorously into the wound. Someone may want to hold her down just in case." As Challenger scrubbed the wound, Marguerite started making little groaning noises in the back of her throat.
"Lord, it kills me to see her like this." John stated as he applied more pressure.
"It kills us all old boy." Challenger laid aside the vial and cloth. He looked at Roxton and Veronica. "Now all we can do is wait." And so they waited. All day.
By dusk Marguerite's fever had dissipated and she was breathing normally. She had yet to wake up.
"Roxton, why don't you let Malone sit with her awhile? You haven't had anything to eat all day. You need to be strong when she comes to."
"No. I want to be here when she wakes up. I need to be here when she wakes up." As Veronica turned she was stopped by the hunters hoarse whisper. "Veronica" He motioned with his head for her to come to the bed. Her eyes widened at what she saw.
Marguerite's eyelids fluttered. She closed them tight when the sun landed on them. Roxton was unaware of the tear making its way down his cheek. He didn't even wipe it away. Marguerite's lashes finally lifted and she looked around disoriented. When her gaze found Roxton's she smiled slightly.
"Wh-what's that………on your……………cheek?" she whispered. Roxton let out a watery chuckled.
"Must have gotten dirt in my eye." But his stated didn't satisfy her as more tears followed the first.
"What happened?" She focused on the woman behind him. "Why are you both crying?"
"You had us worried for a while there." The blond said between sniffles. Roxton brushed the dark hair that was plastered to Marguerite's hair.
"That 'little scratch' of your turned infectious. You developed a fever. I almost lost you." the last being said for her ears alone. Veronica noticing the two needed some time alone, went and joined the others in the kitchenette.
"Oh, John. I am so sorry I put you through that."
"It's alright. As long as you don't do it ever again." weary, Marguerite was lulled back into her dream state by his soft breathing and the warm hand stroking her hair.
One week later
"Roxton, come with me to the lake."
"Marguerite, I have to clean my guns." Marguerite slithered up beside him. She suggestively placed her hand on the part of his neck she knew was very sensitive.
"But, we could do things that are more fun." Roxton took the bait.
"Why Miss Krux, whatever are you implying?" he spanned her waist with his hands.
"Oh, some lounging around. A nice swim. I'm sure we can come up with something." Marguerite sighed as his lips covered her. They clung to each other. The past events making them realize that life was to precious to spend it arguing. They parted reluctantly as they were joined by Malone, Challenger, and Veronica.
"What are you two up two?" Asked Malone.
"Oh just a little swim." They said in unison.
"This early? Marguerite, do you want to get sick again?" asked an astonished professor.
"Don't worry. I'll keep her warm." Roxton was rewarded with a smack for his little jibe. As they made their way down to the jungle beyond, they didn't hear Veronica's statement, "We need to but leashes on those two." Which was followed by shouts of laughter.